SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Hamline fell to Augustana (IL) 62-59 in a tightly contested game at Hutton Arena, despite the Pipers' seven blocks and nine steals.

The opening half saw Augustana take an early lead over the Pipers, finishing with a 35-22 advantage. Augustana's Jake Willems scored consistently, contributing layups and a three-pointer, while Cam Atkinson added a pair of crucial three-pointers. Brendan Ebel kept Hamline in the game, hitting a three-pointer and a jumper, but turnovers limited their ability to close the gap. Augustana capitalized on fast-break opportunities and ended the half with a layup by Andre Klaver in the final seconds.

Augustana edged the Pipers in a tightly contested second half, securing a 62-59 victory. Ebel was a key in the Piper's drive in the second half contributing a layup at 6:18 to help close the gap to two points. With 1:10 remaining, Raoul Vaidya tied the game at 59 with a jumper. However, Ray Maurchie of Augustana sealed the win by hitting two free throws with 7 seconds left, extending their lead to three and preventing a Hamline comeback.

Ebel scored 19 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded three steals in the game. Dane DeDominces contributed with a team-high 12 rebounds and three blocks. Vaidya added to the defensive effort with two steals and also collected five rebounds. Dominic Dosmann was perfect from the field, finishing 5-for-5 and adding 11 points.

Up next, the Pipers head to New Ulm, Minn. on Wednesday, November 19 to take on Martin Luther College. Tipoff will begin at 7:15 PM.